KIA GT4 STINGER

Lest anyone think that Kia was going to change its approach to the market because of Hyundai’s decision to launch a separate luxury brand, this Korean automaker is showing us that it simply ain’t so.

Indeed, just as the global auto show season heats up, Kia announced this week that a new Cadenza sedan will launch next year. The Cadenza is based on the same platform underpinning the Hyundai Azera, the largest of Hyundai’s models that won’t transition to the upcoming Genesis luxury brand.

2017 Kia Cadenza.

Genesis Motors will be composed of models similar to two current Hyundai vehicles — the Genesis sedan and the Equus sedan, with the new models named the G80 and G90, respectively. The Genesis marque will launch in 2018.

Kia’s relationship with Hyundai is a complicated one, at least to the non-Korean observer. In 1998, Hyundai purchased a 51 percent stake in its smaller and failing competitor, but has since reduced its holding to 33.88 percent.

The two manufacturers share platforms and key components, but management, styling, model choices, and most manufacturing are separate. That’s one reason why Kia has the Soul and Hyundai doesn’t have an equivalent. At the same time the Genesis Coupe is exclusive to Hyundai.

2017 Kia Cadenza.

The Kia Cadenza has been on the market since 2010, although the first models didn’t reach North America until 2014. The second-generation model will arrive for the 2017 model year, enabling this sedan to keep up with such competitors as the Lexus ES 350, Buick LaCrosse, Acura RLX, and the Lincoln MKS.

Sketches hardly tell the story of what the new model will look like, but Kia has promised to deliver a sedan with more provocative styling and an even higher level of luxury. About the styling, Kia says that the sedan will offer an elongated bonnet (hood), a wider, lower stance and sharper styling lines, with a thoroughly modern execution of signature Kia design cues

Inside, Kia promises a cabin with a “premium new design” and more “higher-quality materials than ever before.” In the 2017 Cadenza, Kia is benchmarking European tastes in a bid to raise the bar.

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept.

While the Cadenza will appeal to one segment of buyer, Kia seems likely to introduce a few more models going forward, including a few exclusive to the brand.

The luscious GT4 Stinger coupe concept, introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2014, is one possibility. If Kia is looking for a signature model, then the Stinger would be it — the rear-wheel drive concept is powered by a twin-turbo engine making 315 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is a head turner and would also be Kia’s first neck snapper.

Kia might also bring to the market one or two other models that have recently gotten a lot of attention. Both were shown at SEMA 2015 in Las Vegas earlier this month.

Kia Forte Koup Mud Bogger.

The Kia Forte Koup Mud Bogger 10 opens up true off-road possibilities for a brand that doesn’t have a player in the segment. At least not yet. This vehicle has been lifted by four inches and outfitted with 28-inch tires. The exhaust pipe comes out of the rear bumper, replacing the current low-hanging pipe. Sparco seats and safety harnesses are other important features. On the downside, the concept is still front-wheel drive — to succeed, a true 44 variant or at least all-wheel drive ala Subaru is a must.

Kia A1A Optima Concept.Another SEMA 2015 hit was the A1A Optima concept. Based on Kia’s popular midsize sedan, this 2+2 four-door convertible — with suicide doors — and outfitted with stunning 20-inch wheels and a unique front fascia, shows us a dazzling model that could change everything for Kia. Powered by a turbocharged, 245-horsepower engine and blessed with a throaty exhaust pipe, the upscale visage is further enhanced by an all-leather interior. Notably, an adjustable suspension lowers this convertible to enhance its drivability.

Although only the next-generation Cadenza is officially a “go,” we’re likely to see further separation between the two Korean makes going forward. Turning one or more concepts into a production reality would further the cause and give Kia fans more reasons to hold fast to this rapidly evolving brand.

Korean automaker Kia is full of surprises. In fact, it coined the phrase the power to surprise just before releasing its Soul urban utility vehicle at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. At the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia pulled the wraps off of its GT4 Stinger Concept, a rear-wheel drive 2+2 sports car that is like nothing else that this Korean manufacturer has ever shown us.

Kia GT4 Concept

Stunning. Provocative. Emotive. Flaunting. Evocative. These are among the descriptives that may be used when characterizing the Kia GT4 Stinger. Its design is wholly modernistic, but Kia says that it hearkens [sic] back to the glory days of purebred, affordable sports cars. Interestingly, the Kia GT4 Stinger arrives just as Ford prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang with a new model. That original Mustang may the same purebred, affordable sports cars that the concepts designers aimed to emulate.

“Driving enjoyment was the number one priority in designing the GT4 Stinger,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA). “It’s an authentic 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track. It’s about purity, simplicity and timelessness. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn’t muted by electronic gimmickry.”

The Kia GT4 Stinger is the work of the company’s US design team who undertook the project with the goal to reduce the vehicle’s weight, increasing its functionality and enhancing it pure driving enjoyment. The model eschews electronic gadgetry for a simple, minimalistic cabin layout.

Turbocharger and Gasoline Direct Injection

Under the concept’s hood, Kia uses a tuned version of its 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected four-cylinder engine making 315 horsepower. It is the same engine used in Kias Optima race car, what make more than 400 horsepower. That engine is coupled with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.

The concepts body, draped in Ignition Yellow is sculpted and rides on a 103.1-inch wheelbase. The Kia GT4 Stinger measures 169.7 inches long, 74.4 inches wide and just 49.2 inches tall. In other words it is about as long as the Forte Sedan, slightly wider than the full-size Cadenza and it sits lower than any other Kia model. It weighs just 2,874 pounds and features a 52 (front) to 48 (back) weight distribution.

Kia Design Language

Kia’s design language is evident in the concept model too. “We gave the car a shrink-wrapped appearance,” says Kearns. “It’s as if the body panels were formed around the chassis instead of merely welded to it.” It features the most current interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, placed low to the ground to maximize engine cooling and cold-air induction. The grille surround glows white and features a multi-layered, satin-black border, a styling theme found on the car from beginning to end. On both sides of the grille are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents molded into the bumper. To achieve added downforce at high speeds, a carbon fiber front splitter is mounted below the bumper, ensuring that the GT4 Stinger’s front tires stay firmly planted on the pavement.

Inside, the concept is outfitted with molded leather race-inspired bucket seats. A rubber floor mat is found beneath the billet-aluminum pedals. The concept includes a D-shaped steering wheel and a red LED-illuminated instrument panel with a large tachometer and gear indicator. Red-stitched pull straps are used instead of door handles, yet another nod to previous race car models. If you’re looking for an audio system, you won’t find one either with Kearns stating, “The audio system starts under the hood and the speakers are the exhaust pipes.” That performance tune is especially evident when the concept is on the go with its free-flow exhaust providing the tone that sports care aficionados will instantly recognize.

Concept to Production?

In a statement about the concept Kia noted that it has no plans to bring the concept to production. However, in a prepared statement by Kia management admits that the company has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them, and the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future.

So, if you’re waiting for a model that reflects the dreams and aspirations of Kias design team, it may take quite a bit of fan pressure to see this vehicle to production. And if the related buzz is any indication, It seems that fans wont be satisfied with anything less than making this concept vehicle a production reality.